What you need to do to get a Texas driver's license
To get a Texas driver's license, you will need to visit a Department of Public Safety (DPS) office in person, pass a written knowledge test and a driving test, and provide documents that prove your identity, residency, and Social Security number. The entire process takes about two to four weeks from your first visit to receiving your license in the mail, though the actual appointment may only last 30 to 45 minutes.
Texas does not issue licenses by mail or online. You must appear at a DPS office to have your photo taken and to take the driving test. If you are under 18, the process is longer and includes additional requirements like a learner's permit and a waiting period.
Key Takeaways
- You must bring original documents proving your identity, Texas residency, and Social Security number to your DPS appointment.
- You will take a written test on traffic laws and road signs, then a driving test with a DPS examiner in your own vehicle.
- Adults 18 and older can get a license in one visit if they pass both tests; minors must first get a learner's permit and wait 30 days.
- You can schedule your appointment online at the DPS website or by calling your local office, and wait times vary by location and season.
Documents you must bring to the DPS office
Bring an original or certified copy of one document that proves your identity. The DPS accepts a U.S. passport, a certified birth certificate, a military ID, a foreign passport with a visa, or a consular report of birth abroad. A photocopy or a photo on your phone will not work — the document must be the original.
You also need proof that you live in Texas. Bring an original utility bill, a lease or mortgage statement, a bank statement, or a government document with your current address. The document must be dated within the last 30 days. A cell phone bill counts only if it shows your physical address, not just a mailing address.
Finally, bring your Social Security card or a document that shows your Social Security number, such as a W-2 form or a tax return. If you do not have a Social Security number, you will need to bring a letter from the Social Security Administration stating that you are not may be able to access for one.
The written test and what it covers
At your DPS appointment, you will take a 25-question written test on Texas traffic laws and road signs. You must answer at least 19 questions correctly to pass. The test covers speed limits, right-of-way rules, parking, seat belt laws, and what different road signs mean. You can take the test in English or Spanish.
The DPS provides a free study guide on its website that covers all the topics on the test. Many people study it for a few hours the night before their appointment and pass on the first try. If you fail, you can retake the test at your next appointment, which you can schedule when ready.
The driving test: what the examiner will watch for
After you pass the written test, a DPS examiner will ride with you in your vehicle and watch you drive for about 10 to 15 minutes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The examiner will ask you to perform basic maneuvers: starting the car, turning, backing up, parking, and stopping. They will also watch how you handle normal traffic and whether you follow traffic signs and signals.
The examiner is looking for safe driving habits, not perfect driving. Common reasons people fail include hitting the curb while parking, rolling through a stop sign, or failing to signal a turn. If you fail, you can retake the driving test at a later appointment. Most DPS offices let you schedule your next attempt within a few days.
How to schedule your appointment
Go to the Texas DPS website and use the online appointment scheduler to find an opening at your nearest office. You can search by city or zip code. The scheduler shows you available dates and times, usually several weeks out. If you prefer to call, find your local DPS office number on the website and call during business hours.
Appointment wait times vary widely. In rural areas, you may find an opening within a week. In large cities like Houston, Austin, or Dallas, you may wait four to six weeks. If you cannot find an appointment near you, try searching in a neighboring city — you can take your test at any DPS office in Texas, not just the one closest to your home.
What happens after you pass both tests
Once you pass the written test and the driving test, the DPS will take your photo and issue you a temporary paper license on the spot. This paper license is valid for 30 days and allows you to drive while your permanent license is being printed and mailed. Your permanent plastic license will arrive in the mail within two to three weeks.
Your Texas driver's license is valid for six years if you are under 85 years old. You will need to renew it before the expiration date shown on your license. The DPS sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your license expires.
Special rules if you are under 18
If you are under 18, you must first get a learner's permit, wait at least 30 days, then return to the DPS to take the driving test. To get a learner's permit, you must pass the written test and bring the same documents as an adult. Your parent or guardian must be present at the appointment.
During the 30-day waiting period, you can practice driving with a licensed adult who is at least 21 years old and sitting in the front passenger seat. After 30 days, you can return to the DPS to take the driving test. Once you pass, you will receive your license with restrictions: you cannot drive between midnight and 5 a.m., and you cannot use a cell phone while driving, even hands-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take the written test in a language other than English?
Yes. The DPS offers the written test in Spanish and several other languages. When you schedule your appointment online or by phone, you can select your preferred language. Tell the DPS staff when you arrive if you need an interpreter for the driving test.
What if I fail the driving test?
You can retake the driving test at a later appointment. Most DPS offices allow you to schedule your next attempt within a few days. You do not need to retake the written test unless your knowledge test result has expired, which varies by location.
Do I need to bring my own car for the driving test?
Yes. You must bring a vehicle that is registered, insured, and in safe working condition. The vehicle must have working brakes, lights, windshield wipers, and a valid inspection sticker. You cannot use a rental car or borrow someone else's vehicle unless it is registered in your name.
How much does a Texas driver's license cost?
The fee for a six-year driver's license is $33 for adults and $16 for minors under 18. You pay this fee at your DPS appointment. The DPS accepts cash, check, and debit or credit card.
What if I move to a different address after I get my license?
You can update your address online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office. You do not need a new license unless you want to change your photo or other information. Your current license remains valid until the expiration date.